Swimathon 2018

In the 30 years since it began, Swimathon has raised a staggering £48 million, benefiting 36 different charities. This year Swimathon welcomes Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie as its official charity partners and all fundraising will be donated to both charities. Swimmers of all ages and abilities are being invited to take part in the annual sponsored event in pools across the country and raise money for both charities.

This year, the event aims to raise £2 million to reach the overall milestone of £50 million, raising more money than ever for great causes

Women in particular are being targeted as swimming is one of the few sports where women’s participation is greater than that of men. Up to 60% of participants in last year’s event were women, and the aim this year is to get even more women swimming. Swimathon creates a welcoming and supportive environment combined with the many physical benefits that a session in the pool can bring. For many participants, swimming, along with many other activities in the water, can provide a full body workout that helps strengthen and tone all major muscle groups and can have a positive effect on mental health and wellbeing in lowering stress levels and boosting energy and mood

Swimathon President and Olympic gold-medallist Duncan Goodhew said: “It has been a real joy to see Swimathon develop and mature into the great event it is today, and raise so much money for so many worthwhile charities – with this year Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie being the two charity partners. Swimathon really gives people a chance to get active with friends and family, whilst doing some good at the same time. I am so proud that Swimathon encourages people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the water

To help attract more people to take part and get into the pool, for the first time Swimathon will include a 400m (16 lengths of a 25m pool) challenge and virtual MySwimathon challenge, as well as the existing individual 1.5k (60 lengths of a 25m pool), 2.5k (100 lengths of a 25m pool) and 5k (200 lengths of a 25m pool), and team 1.5k and 5k challenges. These new challenges will give swimmers more options and greater flexibility to be part of the Swimathon experience however they want.

This year’s event is set to take place over three days from the 27th– 29th April 2018 and participants can choose from a range of solo distances and team challenges. With almost 600 venues across the length and breadth of the UK, Swimathon will be hosting a variety of sessions, ensuring that as many people as possible can get involved. There’s also the flexibility to take part at any time during April, by signing up for the individual ‘MySwimathon’ challenge